All Chapters of Married Off To The Merciless Mafia King : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

ANAPicture this: me, standing in the airport like a human billboard, holding a sign over my head that says “Welcome back, favorite brother!” Because nothing says, “I missed you” more than potential shoulder strain, right?I spot Viktor emerging from behind what looks like the entire inventory of a luggage store. He sees my sign and starts laughing.I drop the sign and run toward him, nearly taking out a few innocent bystanders in the process. We collide in a hug that’s part bear, part octopus, and all awkward public display of affection.“Viktor!” I squeak, probably sounding more like an excited chipmunk than a dignified adult. “Welcome back to the land of the free and home of the Bratva!”He kisses the top of my head, which is sweet but also reminds me that I’ll always be the baby sister. “Your face makes it worth returning to this country,” he says, ever the charmer.As we pull apart, he looks me up and down. “You’ve grown! What are you now, eighteen?”I roll my eyes so hard, I’m s

ANAI jolt awake, fumbling for my phone like it’s a lifeline. No messages from Dmitri.Fantastic.“Come on, you brooding idiot,” I mutter, scrolling through my empty inbox. “Give a girl a sign of life.”I’ve spent the night tossing and turning, my mind conjuring up increasingly ridiculous scenarios. Maybe he’s joined a secret underground knitting circle. Or he’s been abducted by aliens who needed a crash course in scowling techniques.As I drag myself to the shower, I catch my reflection. I look like I’ve been hit by the worry truck. “Please don’t be out murdering someone,” I plead to no one in particular.Because that’s a totally normal concern for a wife to have.Welcome to the Orlov family, folks!Downstairs, the house is quieter than a library run by mimes. My phone buzzes—it’s Viktor, with a cryptic “gotta run” message.“What is this, the Great Bratva Disappearing Act?” I grumble, heading out the door.At work, I’m a bundle of nerves wrapped in a pantsuit. When my office phone ri

I stride into the building, fury driving my steps.His secretary, the same woman I saw the day I demanded Nikolai give up his daughter, stands at the entrance. She frowns when she sees me.“Mr. Orlov, to what do we owe this pleasure?”“Is he in? And don’t lie to me,” I growl, the threat hanging between us. “My wife is missing. Anyone who makes it harder for me to find her will regret it.”She glances behind her, her voice less sure now. “Anastasia is missing? Why would you think that?”“She hasn’t been in her office today,” I bite out. “Now, is he here, or do I have to find out for myself?”Her eyes flicker with hesitation, but she steps aside. “You think he kidnapped his own daughter? He hasn’t seen her since she moved in with you. Why would he take her now?”I don’t answer, pushing past her and striding straight into Nikolai’s office.He’s mid-conversation, but I don’t wait for an invitation.“Dmitri,” he snarls, glaring at me. “How dare you?—”“Where’s Anastasia?” I demand, my voic

And just like that, life barges back in. “I’ve got to take this,” Dmitri says as he stands up. “I might need to leave the hospital for a while, but I’ll be back. I promise.”As he walks away, I sigh and close my eyes. I just hope he’s safe.I open my eyes again,blinking against the hospital’s harsh, white lights. The steady beeping of the machines, the smell of antiseptic—yep, I’m still here. My body protests as I shift slightly, everything feeling heavier than it should. But before I can fully process anything, there’s a loud pop that nearly makes me jump out of my skin.I whip my head around, almost giving myself whiplash, only to see Viktor standing there with a ridiculous bouquet and an army of balloons.“Welcome to the land of the living.” He grins, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Sorry about that. One of the balloons popped.”I sigh, trying not to laugh, and watch as he awkwardly ties the balloons to the bedpost, the roses unceremoniously dropped on the bedside table.“Hey, sis,”

I slip in quietly, the sound of the shower masking my footsteps. I place my hand gently on her shoulder. She jumps, gasping, her wide eyes locking onto mine as she shakes her head.“You scared me to death, you brute.”“I would’ve brought you back to life,” I murmur, my voice low, possessive, as my fingers trail up to cup her chin. I tilt her head back, making her meet my gaze, my mouth hovering just inches from hers.Her lips part slightly, and my tongue flicks out to trace the seam of her mouth, teasing, a soft, needy sigh escaping her.There’s nothing gentle in the way I look at her—nothing soft. I’ve been cold, ruthless, dangerous all my life. But with Ana, there’s something else. Something more.My control frays at the edges every time she’s close, and tonight, I don’t intend to hold back.I deepen the kiss, cradling her face with a hand and pulling her close with the other. Her body is soft, as usual, and warm from the water cascading down.“You’ll get wet,” Ana whispers.“Mm,” I